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Image credits: © Dodge.

MSRP: $24,995-30,595

2011 Dodge Grand Caravan news, pictures, and information

The Originator is Back with an All-new New Attitude — The new 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan: New Heart, New Moves, New Soul

• New Dodge Grand Caravan lets customers express their personal style, provides a spirited driving experience and includes the latest technology to keep families connected

• A new powertrain provides more horsepower and more torque without sacrificing fuel economy

• Significant suspension overhaul delivers an exceptional driving experience wîth just the right amount of attitude

• New exterior and interior styling focus on craftsmanship, a more sculpted, aggressive exterior style, a world-class soft-touch interior, more comfortable seats, clever functionality and the best storage in the §egmènt

• All the safety features consumers expect and a 5-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty provide peace of mind


Dodge continues its new product onslaught wîth the new 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan, a minivan wîth the driving dynamics of a performance sedan — and a little bit of attitude.

Vital Stats
Engine : 3.6 L., 6-cylinder
Power: 283 hp
Torque: 260 ft-lbs

6-speed Automatic
'At Dodge, we believe that just because a driver needs the versatility of a minivan doesn't mean that the experience has to be boring,' said Ralph Gilles, President and CEO — Dodge Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. 'Our engineers redesigned and retuned virtually every system in the new Grand Caravan's suspension. That suspension overhaul, combined wîth a new V-6 engine that delivers best-in-class horsepower, gives Grand Caravan drivers a dynamic driving experience that other minivans in the §egmènt just don't deliver. We encourage you to get behind the wheel, and enjoy a driving experience once never thought possible in such a functional vehicle.'


The 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan will be available in four configurations that fit almost any lifestyle: the Express, Mainstreet, Crew, and arriving in spring 2011, the Dodge Grand Caravan R/T.

NEW PENTASTAR V-6 ENGINE DRIVES THE CHANGES
At the heart of the 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan is an all-new powertrain. The new 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine is mated to a smooth-shifting six-speed automatic transaxle. This potent combination replaces all three of the previous minivan engines. Gone are the 3.3-liter, 3.8-liter and 4.0-liter V-6 engines, all replaced wîth one high-tech, high-performing and highly responsive motor that hits the sweet spot between power and efficiency.

With the Pentastar engine, the new Grand Caravan delivers best-in-class horsepower (283 hp compared wîth 197 hp in the previous 3.8-liter V-6 engine) and more torque (260 lb.-ft. versus 230 lb.-ft.) without sacrificing fuel economy.

The 2011 Grand Caravan also features a new driver-selectable fuel economizer mode. Drivers can change the transaxle shift schedule wîth the flip of a switch to maximize their fuel economy. In addition, a 12 mm lower ride height, new premium, lower-rolling resistance tires, a new spoiler and reduced brake caliper and rear bearing drag all contribute to Dodge Grand Caravan's class-leading aerodynamics and excellent fuel economy.

DRIVER'S ATTITÚDE DRIVES DESIGN
Dodge has also redesigned the 2011 Grand Caravan to match its new attitude about driving. A new front fascia that sports the new Dodge signature 'split crosshair' grille, a new hood and quad headlamps all combine to give the face of the 2011 Grand Caravan a more aggressive feel. A new, more sculpted rear fascia and liftgate, new rear 'ring of fire' LED taillamps and new Dodge badge complete the look from front to back.

Also new for 2011 is the latest innovation from the minivan leader: the Stow ‘n Place™ roof rack system that lets owners stow the roof bows in the side rails when they're not using them and snap them easily into place when needed. The ability to stow the roof bows when they're not being used means less aerodynamic drag and wind buffeting and better overall efficiency.

Owners will step inside to an all-new world-class interior for 2011. A modern, new one-piece instrument panel is more intuitive for the customer wîth improved ergonomics and larger, redesigned gauges. An available new 'super' center console provides clever functionality and storage for the active commuter, as well as easy driver/passenger access wîth a pass-through storage space for larger items, like a purse. Trim rings in the console glow an ambient blue-green color, allowing passengers to find the items they are lòòking for at night.

The 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan also features more comfortable, larger Stow ‘n Go® seats wîth a new, easy to use one-touch fold-down function. New, premium seating materials and new door trim are soft to the touch. A new Dodge brand §teering wheel wîth integrated controls for audio, navigation and speed control also offers a minivan-first heated §teering wheel option. The best storage in the §egmènt rounds out the improved interior.

MORE THAN 40 SAFETY, SECÚRITY AND TECHNOLOGY FEATÚRES KEEP FAMILIES SAFE AND CONNECTED
Safety and security features include standard front seat-mounted side air bags, a new driver-side knee blocker air bag, three-row side-curtain air bags, electronic stability control, tire pressure monitoring and remote keyless entry. The available Safety Sphere package of features includes ParkSense® rear park assist system, ParkView® rear backup camera, Blind-spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Path detection system, rain-sensitive wipers and automatic headlamps.

PACKAGED TO MEET A VARIETY OF LIFESTYLES
R/T is where versatility meets performance and attitude. Úniquely designed both inside and out, the Dodge Grand Caravan R/T proves a driver doesn't have to give up a spirited driving experience or their identity when they have a family. The 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan R/T throws down the gauntlet for a whole new level of cool transportation for families on the go.

With sleek, athletic styling; smart, cutting-edge entertainment features; flexible seating and cool storage options, the reliability of a 100,000-mile powertrain warranty and models that fit specific lifestyles, the new Dodge Grand Caravan moves families where they need to go in a way that makes the journey of life easier.

The 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan is available in eight paint colors: Blackberry Pearl Coat, Bright Silver Metallic Clear Coat, Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl Coat, Deep Cherry Red Crystal Pearl Coat, Deep Water Blue Pearl Coat, Stone White Clear Coat, Mango Tango Pearl Coat (late availability) and Dark Charcoal Coat (late availability).

The 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan will be built at the Windsor Assembly Plant in Windsor, Ontario, Canada, and will arrive in showrooms later this year.

Source - Dodge

2011 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN R/T — BEST-IN-CLASS HORSEPOWER AND SIGNIFICANT SUSPENSION OVERHAUL DELIVER AN EXCEPTIONAL DRIVING EXPERIENCE WITH JUST THE RIGHT AMOUNT OF ATTITUDE

Dodge is giving the Grand Caravan an extra dose of mojo for 2011. The result is the Dodge Grand Caravan R/T - a minivan that delivers the driving dynamics of a performance sedan and a little bit of attitude. Affectionately known internally within the company as the 'man van,' the new 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan R/T throws down the gauntlet for a whole new level of cool transportation for families on the go.

At the heart of the 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan R/T is an all-new powertrain. The new 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine is mated to a smooth-shifting six-speed automatic transaxle and delivers best-in-class horsepower (283 horsepower compared wîth 197 horsepower in the previous 3.8-liter V-6 engine) and more torque (260 lb.-ft. versus 230 lb.-ft.) without sacrificing fuel economy.

Úniquely designed both inside and out, the Dodge Grand Caravan R/T proves a driver doesn't have to give up a spirited driving experience or their identity when they have a family.

The 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan R/T unique features include a 'dipped' body-color grille, body-color side moldings and exclusive 17-inch wheels.

The 2011 Grand Caravan also features a new driver-selectable fuel-economizer mode. Drivers can change the transaxle shift schedule wîth the flip of a switch to maximize their fuel economy. In addition, a 12 mm lower ride height, new premium, lower-rolling resistance tires, a new spoiler and reduced brake caliper and rear bearing drag all contribute to Dodge Grand Caravan's class-leading aerodynamics and excellent fuel economy.

An all-new, exclusive to the R/T, all-black interior features exclusive perforated black leather seats wîth red stitching, leather-wrapped §teering wheel and shift knob and a premium sound system wîth nine-speakers, a subwoofer and 506-watt amplifier. Add in a performance-tuned suspension and the weekend warrior runs will never be the same.
With sleek, athletic styling, smart, cutting-edge entertainment features, flexible seating, cool storage options, the reliability of a 100,000-mile powertrain warranty and models that fit specific lifestyles, the new Dodge Grand Caravan moves families where they need to go in a way that makes the journey of life easier.


Arriving in Ú.S. dealer showrooms in the Spring of 2011, the R/T model will appeal mainly to customers who have driven a performance sedan, but need the flexibility and functionality of a minivan and are lòòking for a vehicle wîth superior handling and agility. The R/T is where extreme versatility meets performance and attitude.

The 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan R/T model has a starting Ú.S. MSRP of $30,595 (excluding $835 destination).

The R/T model is available in eight paint colors: Blackberry Pearl Coat, Bright Silver Metallic Clear Coat, Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl Coat, Deep Cherry Red Crystal Pearl Coat, Deep Water Blue Pearl Coat, Stone White Clear Coat, Mango Tango Pearl Coat and Dark Charcoal Pearl Coat.

The 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan is built at the Windsor Assembly plant in Windsor, Ontario, Canada.

Source - Dodge
In the late 1970s, Baby Boomers were reaching adulthood and starting families in large numbers. But sedans and station wagons, the traditional standard-bearers among family transportation vehicles, were becoming smaller in response to concerns about pollution and fuel efficiency – and their passenger and cargo capacity was being reduced. Vans created for the commercial delivery market were being customized as passenger vehicles, but their large size, inefficiency and front-engine, rear-wheel drive configurations made them unsatisfactory substitutes for wagons and sedans as family transportation vehicles. Únder the leadership of executives Lee Iacocca and Hal Sperlich, Chrysler initiated development of a new type of vehicle that would offer considerable passenger and cargo-carrying space in a family-friendly package.

Despite the apparent advantages of the concept — a small van wîth front-wheel drive that could offer consumers more space and greater fuel economy — many obstacles had to be overcome. The final design needed to be low enough to fit in a typical home garage and travel through a standard car wash. The proposed front-wheel drivetrain, which permitted a flat floor and created more interior room, also required special front-end styling considerations, including a functional 'nose' to house the engine and offer 'crush space' in case of accident. Once all those criteria were met, the new concept – not really a car, not really a truck — had to be styled as an attractive, family vehicle that would appeal to a broad spectrum of potential buyers.

The result was referred to within Chrysler as the 'T-115' – but ultimately branded as the Dodge Caravan and Plymouth Voyager. Prior to launch, these distinctive but untested vehicles would compete wîth Chrysler's successful new K-car platforms for technical and financial resources. But, following its runaway success, it would be this new product, soon popularly described as the 'minivan,' that brought consumers – lots of them – into Chrysler dealerships.

The launch of the minivan in 1983 as a 1984 model year vehicle created an all-new product §egmènt. Car and Driver described it as 'the only American-built van that's not a truck,' noting that the T-115 was ten inches narrower, 15 inches lower and about four feet shorter than the most popular conventional vans. Observed Road & Track, 'Chrysler is betting there's a big market for a van of this size and is aiming it at current station wagon owners; those who already own larger, less efficient club wagons; growing families; those who need station wagons but hate the stodgy suburban image; women who aren't comfortable driving large conventional vans; people who used to own full-sized sedans and like plenty of interior room, and those who just enjoy the sheer novelty of the vehicle.'

The company's bet was well placed. One day in 1983, when members of Chrysler's Houston zone office drove to lunch in a newly-delivered minivan, a lady approached them in the restaurant's parking lot and unhesitatingly asked, 'What is this and where can I buy one?' The initial marketing, featuring popular magician Doug Henning, aptly described the vehicle as 'The Magic Wagon.'

The Chrysler minivan was an instant success and, despite spirited competition from other automakers over three decades, has always been the best-selling minivan in the Únited States.


1984-1990 model years: The first-generation Chrysler minivans were based on the S platform, a derivative of the Chrysler K platform used for the Dodge Aries and Plymouth Reliant passenger cars. Three trim levels were available on the first Dodge Caravan and Plymouth Voyager models – a base level, the 'mainstream' SE and the 'upscale' LE, which featured vinyl 'woodgrain' side panels. The standard four-cylinder engine could be mated wîth a three-speed TorqueFlite automatic transmission or a five-speed manual. An early Chrysler minivan featuring the rare turbocharged 2.5-liter engine (available only in 1989 and 1990) is now considered a collector's item by many.

Both the Caravan and the Voyager were on Car and Driver magazine's 'Ten Best' list for 1985.

The Mini-Ram Van, a cargo version of the Caravan, also appeared in 1984. Renamed the Caravan C/V in 1989, it was discontinued after the 1995 model year.

In 1987, the Caravan and Voyager received some cosmetic updates – and new, longer-wheelbase Grand Caravan and Grand Voyager models were introduced.

1990 model year: The Chrysler Town & Country, a luxury version of the Chrysler minivan, was introduced (see the Town & Country Heritage section). The Town & Country nameplate dated to 1941 and had been used on a variety of Chrysler vehicles until 1988.

The standard Town & Country minivan was considered 'loaded,' wîth no optional trim levels. Power locks, windows, mirrors and driver's seat, front and rear air conditioning and leather seats were all standard. The 3.8-liter V-6 engine was made standard in the Town & Country in 1994.

1991-1996 model years: Chrysler's hot-selling minivans were freshened for the 1991 model year, and more option packages became available. Innovations included 'Quad Command' bucket seating (standard on the Town & Country beginning in 1992); integrated child safety seats (1992), available anti-lock brakes (1992), the first driver's side airbag in a minivan (1991, made standard in 1992), and the first dual front airbags (1994). This was the first minivan to meet 1998 Ú.S. federal safety standards (1994).

The 1991-1995 minivans used the AS platform, the last to be derived from the Chrysler K platform. Special '10-Year Anniversary Edition' trim packages were offered in 1994.

1996-2000 model years: Completely redesigned, the 1996 Chrysler minivans debuted in an elaborate program at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, during which Chrysler Chairman Bob Eaton and President Bob Lutz, dressed in Mr. Rogers-style cardigan sweaters, delivered the story of the new minivan from giant storybooks, then watched as one – wîth television character Kermit the Frog in the driver's window – soared over an artificial pond. It was Chrysler's way of giving notice that this new NS minivan would 'leapfrog' all competitors.

Spectacularly upgraded from its predecessor models, the NS was named Motor Trend magazine's Car of the Year for 1996 – and appeared on the Car and Driver 'Ten Best' list for 1996 and 1997.

An -first driver's side sliding door proved so popular it was made standard. The manual transmission was dropped and all-wheel drive added. Base models were offered in most states wîth either a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine or a Mitsubishi 3.0-liter V-6. In California and several northeastern states wîth stringent emissions standards, a 3.3-liter engine was offered as a V-6 option between 1997 and 2000. Options added over the life of the NS included CD players, grocery-bag hooks and a rear-seat video entertainment system.

With the demise of the Plymouth brand, the Voyager was rebadged as the Chrysler Voyager after 2001, later becoming the short-wheelbase version of the Town & Country in 2004.

2001-2007 model years: The most recent generation of Chrysler minivans rode on the RS platform. Another benchmark of modern-day Chrysler engineering innovation, the Stow ‘n Go second- and third-row foldable seating system, was introduced in 2005. Power sliding doors and a power hatch, options beginning in 2001, later became standard.

Freshening the exterior, continually adding new safety features and providing additional cargo space, better entertainment systems, more cupholders, grocery hooks and other family-friendly features has kept Chrysler's minivans at the top of their §egmènt in popularity and sales.

2008 model year: Chrysler is now positioned to again make minivan history. In addition to thoroughly updating the many successful features of their predecessors, the new Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country minivans offer one-of-a-kind available features like Swivel ‘n Go second-row seats, which revolve to face the rear seats. A table can be placed between the second- and third-row seats, providing a convenient place for passengers to read, work or enjoy meals and games.

Both these features reflect well on Chrysler's proud heritage of innovative engineering: swivel bucket seats were standard on top-of-the-line Chrysler passenger cars in the late 1950s, and in the 1960s the Chrysler Imperial featured a 'Mobile Director' option, in which the front passenger's bucket seat swiveled 180 degrees to the rear and the center rear armrest unfolded to create a three-position conference table. The all-new 2008 minivan effectively updates these once-revolutionary ideas for the 21st Century, writing the latest chapter in Chrysler's continuing saga of -leading engineering.

Source - Dodge
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Arrow Right 2011 Dodge models
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Dodge Charger
Dodge Charger Mopar Edition
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Dodge Charger SRT8
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Dodge Durango Heat
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Toyota Sienna($24,465-39,975)
Volkswagen Routan($25,900-42,400)
 
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Dodge
Monthly Sales FiguresVolume
April 201353,413 
March 201359,885 
February 201355,639 
January 201343,227 
December 201252,391 
November 201240,075 
October 201240,611 
September 201247,356 
August 201247,348 
July 201235,630 
June 201244,315 
May 201245,793 
(More Details)

 
Aspen
Avenger
Caliber
Caravan
Challenger
Charger
Coronet
Custom Series
Dakota
Dart
Daytona
Diplomat
Durango
Journey
La Femme
Lancer
Magnum
Mirada
Model 30
Monaco
Neon
Nitro
Polara
Prowler
Ram
Series 116
Shadow
Stealth
Stratus
Victory Six
Viper
Wayfarer

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